The 2026 Commonwealth Games are fast approaching, and the women's backstroke events are shaping up to be a thrilling spectacle. With the absence of the formidable Kaylee McKeown, who withdrew due to glandular fever, the 100 and 200 backstroke events are wide open, promising a new champion. The 50 backstroke, however, still sees the return of Canada's Kylie Masse, a returning gold medalist, who will be hoping to defend her title. Masse's recent performances, including a new personal best of 27.13, make her a strong contender once again.
Among the returning medalists, Mollie O'Callaghan, who has stepped away from international backstroke events, might make a comeback with the absence of McKeown. Her best time of 27.16 from 2024 and a season best of 27.19 from the Australian Trials make her a serious threat. However, she is also dealing with a stress fracture, which could impact her decision to race.
The 50 backstroke field is stacked with talent, including Australia's Iona Anderson, who recently set a new lifetime best of 27.33, and Alexandria Perkins, who could also challenge for a medal. England's Lauren Cox, with a season best of 27.39, is another contender, as is South Africa's Jessica Thompson and Olivia Nel, both under 28 seconds in recent competitions.
In the 100 backstroke, the absence of McKeown is more pronounced. Kylie Masse, the silver medalist in 2022, has not been under 58 seconds since May 2024, but her season best of 58.87 ranks her 13th in the world. Iona Anderson, with a lifetime best of 58.43, is the top swimmer in the world this year and will be a strong contender. O'Callaghan, though not likely to swim the event, could still make an impact.
Madison Kryger, with a new lifetime best of 59.59, is another potential contender, as is Lauren Cox, with a season and lifetime best of 59.45. Hannah Fredericks, with a best of 59.44, and Katie Shanahan, with a lifetime best of 1:00.03, are also in the running. Olivia Nel, with a South African record of 1:00.33, and Medi Harris, with a season best of 1:01.79, complete the field.
The 200 backstroke event sees the return of Kylie Masse and Katie Shanahan, the bronze medalist in 2022. Masse, the 2024 Olympic bronze medalist, has not raced the event since her medal, and her participation is uncertain. Shanahan, with a season best of 2:08.85, is a top-eight finisher and a strong contender. Holly McGill, with a lifetime best of 2:08.20, and Madison Kryger, with a lifetime best of 2:08.17, are also in the mix.
Australia's Iona Anderson and Hannah Fredericks, with new lifetime bests, are the top swimmers in the world this season, and Jenna Forrester, Holly McGill, Hannah Pearse, Freya Colbert, and Ella Jansen could also make an impact. The 2026 Commonwealth Games backstroke events promise an exciting showdown, with several swimmers capable of challenging for gold and silver medals.
